On June 13, 2018, journalists, buyers and stylists were immersed in what was surely the loveliest oasis of tranquility anywhere at the Pitti Uomo men’s fashion week. In the Torrigiani Gardens, centrally located near Florence, BIRKENSTOCK presented its Spring/Summer 2019 Collection. An event that elevated the humble picnic to new dimensions!

“I’ve been wearing Birkenstocks for 45 years,” wrote Bernd Brinkmann. We met the man who has been a Birkenstock fan from the get-go – and a person who has demonstrated the ability to make a comeback in life.

VEGAN SHOES

What are vegan shoes?
No animal-based materials – such as leather or wool felt – are used during the manufacturing process. Birkenstock does not use adhesives or dyes of animal origin. But these models still offer the comfort you have come to expect from BIRKENSTOCK.

What materials are used for vegan shoes?
Various vegan materials are used for BIRKENSTOCK shoes, e.g.:

Synthetic materials:

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA): an ultra lightweight, exceptionally flexible and skin-friendly plastic that boasts outstanding abrasion resistance. Birkenstock beach sandals are made completely from vegan EVA and other vegan components. What’s more, EVA is used to make the soles of many models.

Fabrics:

Microfibre: a lightweight, soft and breathable material that is made from fine fibres. Our microfibre footbeds are visually reminiscent of leather and keep feet fresh. On BIRKENSTOCK vegan shoes, microfibre is, for instance, used as an upper material, a cover for linings and for insoles.

Natural materials:

Cork: a natural product that is extracted from the bark of the cork oak; it has an insulating effect and boasts exceptional cushioning properties. It is used to make the original BIRKENSTOCK cork and latex footbed.

BIRKENSTOCK and its suppliers have signed up to the BIRKENSTOCK Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct sets out the minimum social and ecological standards laid down by BIRKENSTOCK. The vegan material composition is verified by independent testing laboratories.

What vegan shoes are available from BIRKENSTOCK?
Vegan shoes from BIRKENSTOCK take the form of sandals and clogs. A thong sandal in vegan EVA is perfect for wearing as a beach sandal. A microfibre two-strap model is ideal for wearing outside in summer – or can be used as a slipper for around the house. Clogs in hard-wearing EVA with a treaded sole are just the thing for working in the kitchen and garden, for example.